Corporate Pizza Party

Remote Work Woes and Festival Fiascos

It's time for a  RecFest recap and reflections on the event. Farrah and Mike recount the excitement of meeting each other in person for the first time, the awkwardness of navigating social interactions like deciding who to hug, and the ongoing challenges faced by recruiters in today's job market. Amidst the casual banter, we touch on the frustrations around AI in resume reviews and the persistent issue of ghosting in the hiring process, all while sharing some humorous takes on coffee preferences.
Listen in as we recount the chaotic yet amusing experience of running over time during a panel discussion at RecFest, leading to some unexpected moments with the host and abruptly cut microphones. We explore hiring practices aimed at humanizing the candidate experience, such as providing feedback and resources to rejected candidates, and share a humorous tangent about the favorite foods from the event. From public speaking nerves to the unique atmosphere that combined elements of a festival with a professional conference, this episode captures the essence of RecFest in all its glory.
Finally, we explore the recent trends in remote work productivity and corporate policies, with a special focus on major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta revisiting their return-to-office mandates.  Finally we are joined by a special guest we've heard about but never heard from on the podcast!

Mastering Job Interviews and Navigating the Evolving Job Market

What happens when you show up to a job interview quoting TikTok videos? Join us on this episode of the Corporate Pizza Party podcast as we share our hilarious misadventures recording on the road and our upcoming escapade to Recfest in Nashville. We dive into the importance of doing your homework before interviews, with candidates amusingly referencing our online content. Our lighthearted chat explores the quirks of corporate life and the unexpected ways social media plays a role in job preparedness.
Switching gears, we tackle the harsh realities of today’s tech job market. It's no longer the land of endless opportunities; companies are sharpening their axes, ready to cut underperformers without hesitation. We'll share real-life tales of job seekers applying to thousands of positions and the swift consequences of not meeting expectations. We emphasize the need for adaptability, clear communication of qualifications, and understanding the business game's new rules. This candid discussion is a must-listen for anyone navigating these turbulent waters.
Finally, we dissect the complexities and frustrations of modern recruitment processes. From the impractical hunt for the perfect hire to the emotional turmoil of job terminations, we leave no stone unturned. Personal anecdotes highlight the unrealistic expectations within hiring, while we discuss the balance needed for fair assessments. As we wrap up, enjoy a playful segment about spirit animals and why asking tough questions is crucial during job searches. This episode promises both laughter and valuable insights for job seekers and employers alike.

Social Media Scandals and Workplace Norms

Ever wondered how a simple LinkedIn post could turn into a social media frenzy? Join us on this episode of Corporate Pizza Party Podcast as we explore the dramatic saga of Ethan, a former Amazon employee, who accused his CEO of unethical behavior, sparking responses from the CEO himself and even Ethan's ex-wife. We break down the motivations behind airing such personal grievances online and the implications for personal branding and professional conduct, all with our signature blend of humor and disbelief. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this rollercoaster of a story!
Along the way, we reminisce about the origins of our podcast’s introductory segment, debating its current relevance, while sharing laughs over our struggles with air conditioning and creating travel content.
And for those navigating today's job market, we dive into the nuances of office attire and interview etiquette, especially for entry-level roles. We discuss the phenomenon of personality hires and share anecdotes of individuals being chosen for their positive vibes over experience. Additionally, we tackle the misconceptions perpetuated by social media trends, frustrations with media inaccuracies, and the shocking persistence of discriminatory job postings. This episode promises a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and absurdities of modern employment, ensuring you leave with both insights and a smile.

Failing up- Bad Managers in the Workplace

Ever wondered how people manage to rise through the ranks despite their glaring incompetence? This week we are dishing out some hilarious yet insightful takes on the curious phenomenon of "failing up" in corporate America. 
We dive headfirst into the baffling world of corporate hierarchies, sharing juicy stories of leaders who dodge accountability and clueless managers who somehow keep getting promoted. We dissect a particularly head-scratching scenario involving a leader who made a colossal blunder but left the fallout to an unlucky subordinate. From the Peter Principle to inadequate training programs, we expose the cracks in the system that allow underqualified individuals to ascend to their level of incompetence.
Our conversation shifts gears as we discuss what effective management should look like, spotlighting both the empathetic and authoritative aspects of the role. With personal anecdotes and contrasting corporate training programs like those at Electronic Arts, we stress the importance of robust internal training over external consultants. 

Respecting Gig Workers and Office Antics

JOur lighthearted chat about Farrah's "new mom" look smoothly transitions into a conversation about quirky baby products, including a donut-shaped pillow for toddlers learning to walk before we finally getting into bashing what may be one of the worst Linkedin posts of all time.
 Listen in as we humorously dissect the post's lack of genuine engagement and the defensive responses from the original poster. We also touch on the ease of automating responses to job applicants and the collective effort by LinkedIn users to call out nonsensical posts. This conversation inspires a creative idea for a TikTok series based on corporate and HR-related insults, turning professional jargon into witty comebacks.
We then explore the societal stigma around jobs such as driving for Uber or bartending, emphasizing their respectability and potential networking opportunities. The discussion highlights the importance of respecting essential workers and the reality versus perception of jobs like BART employees in San Francisco. We share personal anecdotes about layoffs at Bungie and the broader implications for employees in the gaming industry. Wrapping up, we examine the challenges faced by laid-off employees and recruiting teams, ending on a light-hearted note with a funny office recording mishap. Join us as we share our thoughts, express confidence in our work, and invite you to join us for the next pizza party.

The perfect 5 minute job interview

Corporate Pizza Parties: More Than Just a Slice of Fun? Ever thought about the hilarious yet heartbreakingly real world of recruitment? We kick off with the emotional rollercoaster recruiters face when rejecting candidates, balanced with the quirky reward culture of corporate pizza parties. Farrah’s tale of trolling a company for its outlandish job requirements for a senior technical recruiter with engineering experience will have you laughing out loud. And for those curious about the bizarre requests from CEOs, we’ve got you covered.
Unpacking Company Values and the Myth of the Five-Minute Interview Question What do company values really mean for employees, and are they just for show? We dive into how values shape companies like Electronic Arts and the often-surprising costs tied to branding. We humorously ponder a lucrative career shift to writing company values and take a critical look at the infamous five-minute interview question. Can it really assess a candidate’s potential? Spoiler alert: Context is everything, and the role of recruiters is often misunderstood.
Facing the Realities of Today’s Job Market The job market is a battlefield for both recruiters and job seekers. We explore the challenges recruiters face with the influx of AI-generated applications, the pressures of unrealistic expectations, and the not-so-glamorous reality of dealing with candidate ghosting. Through real-life anecdotes, we stress the importance of targeted job applications and crafting resumes for leadership roles. Don't miss our discussion on the skeptical world of viral job-seeking stories and the critical, yet empathetic advice offered to job seekers navigating today's tough landscape.

HR's New Diversity Direction

What happens when your Prius becomes the latest target in a citywide crime spree? Today we shed light on the surprising black market for catalytic converters and the swift methods thieves use. Then we talk about teeth and eventually make it to some HR stuff....sorry
Bold decisions or corporate missteps? We dissect the controversial layoffs at Intuit, where 1,800 employees were shown the door and the CEO's staggering claim that 60% were underperformers. We explore how such statements can unfairly stigmatize those laid off and dive into the conflicting views of recruiters and hiring managers. Pressure to relocate and return to office spaces also plays a significant role in this discussion, as we reflect on more empathetic approaches to layoffs by other industry leaders. 
Why did SHRM drop equity from its DEI framework, and what does this mean for marginalized communities? We tackle the significant implications of SHRM's recent shift from "diversity, equity, and inclusion" to "inclusion and diversity." By dispelling common misconceptions around DEI initiatives, we emphasize the vital importance of equity in ensuring equal opportunities for all. Also, hear about the latest tech layoffs at giants like Microsoft and CrowdStrike, and their operational fallout, including a global outage affecting airline systems. Tune in for a thorough exploration of the intricate landscape of HR practices and corporate strategies.

Robert People is Real!

After many reschedules, false starts, and accusations of just being Dan's alt account on LinkedIn, we are finally joined by Robert People!  Robert sets the record straight about his real-life existence and shares fascinating tidbits about his journey from Baltimore to Florida, his career as a proposal writer, and his love for sports and family. 
 
As we navigate the complexities of LinkedIn and job seeking, we uncover the frustrations of offering advice without being misconstrued. Robert and our team share powerful insights on aligning resumes with career goals, networking effectively, and maintaining a professional online presence. Drawing from personal experiences in transitioning careers, we emphasize the importance of understanding different writing styles and leveraging industry connections. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable tips and reflections, perfect for anyone navigating the turbulent waters of job searching and career transitions.
 
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Follow Dan on TikTok @TheDanfromHR and Instagram @DanfromHR 
Follow Farah on TikTok and Instragram @Farahsharghi
Follow Mike on Tiktok and Instagram @Realisticrecruiting
Follow Corporate Pizza Party on TikTok and Instagram @corporatepizzapod and www.corporatepizzaparty.com
Contact us  Cpp@corporatepizzaparty.com

Navigating Burnout: Finding Work Life Balance

Ever feel balancing work and life seems harder than ever? On this week’s episode of Corporate Pizza Party, we navigate the murky waters of workplace burnout, especially focusing on modern pressures like parenting and the evolving work-life balance. Our spirited debate spans generational divides, touching on how different age groups cope with stress and burnout. Highlights include a humorous look at LinkedIn posts targeting Gen Z employees and comparing millennial versus Gen Z work attitudes through funny videos. We also take a nostalgic trip down memory lane looking at old TV ads that depicted the high-stress lives of parents back in the day. 
Our conversation takes a serious turn as we examine the challenges Gen Z and millennials face in achieving the American dream. Sky-high student loan debt, soaring education costs, and the struggles of buying a home without help are all on the table. The pressure to succeed, compounded by the need for side gigs, fuels a pervasive sense of burnout. Social media’s unrealistic portrayals of success only add to the stress. We offer practical advice for younger professionals, emphasizing upskilling and financial planning. We wrap up with plans for future episodes and a heartfelt thank you to our listeners, promising more insightful and enjoyable content.
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Follow Dan on TikTok @TheDanfromHR and Instagram @DanfromHR 
Follow Farah on TikTok and Instragram @Farahsharghi
Follow Mike on Tiktok and Instagram @Realisticrecruiting
Follow Corporate Pizza Party on TikTok and Instagram @corporatepizzapod and www.corporatepizzaparty.com
Contact us  Cpp@corporatepizzaparty.com

The realities of job interviews

Could asking candidates to argue against their own beliefs during an interview actually reveal their true potential? Join us for an entertaining and insightful episode of the Corporate Pizza Party Podcast as we explore unconventional and thought-provoking interview techniques. 
 
We tackle controversial question designed to assess cultural fit and discuss whether it truly benefits the hiring process or just puts candidates in an awkward spot. With personal anecdotes of impractical interview exercises and puzzling post-college questions, we highlight the importance of proper interviewer training. Drawing from our own experiences, including a positive stint at Fidelity Investments, we emphasize the need for companies to move away from outdated and ineffective practices to ensure fair and productive hiring.
As we navigate the biases like the halo and horns effect, we underscore the critical role of interviewer training in creating unbiased and effective hiring processes. Real-world examples illustrate how superficial judgments can impact decisions, reminding us of the need for vigilance against biases. Wrapping up with reflections on transitioning from small companies to large corporations, we urge our listeners to share our podcast and help grow our community. Tune in for a mix of humor, valuable insights, and candid conversations that promise to keep you engaged from start to finish.
 
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Follow Dan on TikTok @TheDanfromHR and Instagram @DanfromHR 
Follow Farah on TikTok and Instragram @Farahsharghi
Follow Mike on Tiktok and Instagram @Realisticrecruiting
Follow Corporate Pizza Party on TikTok and Instagram @corporatepizzapod and www.corporatepizzaparty.com
Contact us  Cpp@corporatepizzaparty.com